The Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association Northern Ireland Branch welcomes Andrew Graham as its new Chairperson.

Although a tireless servant within the compiling office and well-known to many around the contest arenas, Andrew has kindly ‘compiled’ some words to introduce himself to the wider Branch since taking up the role of Chairperson in February 2025.

“Although I do not come from a musical background, my involvement with the Northern Ireland Branch goes back over ten years. Growing up, my initial exposure to pipe bands was through parades. However, I was also fortunate to have great exposure through my parents’ friendship with Wilby and Sadie Hanna, who are well-known figures within our Branch, as well as living next door to Pipe Major Duncan Graham, leader of the Upper Crossgare Pipe Band for many years.

My involvement in pipe bands deepened when my eldest daughter, Kirsty, began learning and competing as a tenor drummer, eventually progressing to snare drum. As I attended contests to support Kirsty, my second eldest daughter, Caitlin, and eventually my youngest, Carys, also developed an interest and began competing as drum majors under the tutelage of Andrea McKeown Gibson of The County Armagh Drum Major Class. I am now proud to hold the position of Chairman of the class.

My late father, Irvine Graham, was a compiler many years ago and about ten years ago, due to another compiler’s absence, I was asked to “help out” at one of our local contests. What was meant to be just for that ‘one day’ turned into an ongoing commitment and I’ve been a Branch Compiler ever since. It’s a job and position that I truly enjoy each week during the summer months.

Through my work as a compiler and my involvement with the Drum Majors, I have had the privilege of getting to know and build good relationships (I hope!) with all the adjudicators, and in particular, Alastair Patterson, who as we all know has served our Branch in many different roles over the years and most recently as Branch Chairperson for the last two seasons. Last Autumn, I was invited to join the Executive Committee as Vice Chair, which was both unexpected and an honour. I was excited to take on this new role and to work alongside Alastair and the rest of the team.

Following Alastair’s departure from the Chairmanship in February of this year, and after the kind endorsement of the Executive Committee, I agreed to step into the role of Branch Chairperson. While I would have preferred a little more time to gain experience, I felt that I was ready to step up and keep our Branch moving forward, especially with the 2025 season fast approaching! The task is of course made easier for me by the wealth of knowledge and experience shared by my fellow Branch Officers, both past and present, together with the support of the three RSPBA Branch Directors.

I am looking forward to the 2025 outdoor season and I hope all band members, supporters and spectators enjoy every moment of the sights and sounds of our wonderful movement. I wish all our Branch bands and drum majors the very best of luck, both locally in Northern Ireland and further afield and my continuing gratitude to Alastair for his ongoing support to me and the Branch.”